Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Kidnapped Boy Found in S.Korea, Returned to Queens
By
Dave Hogarty
Published Mar 28, 2008
Modified Mar 28, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Dave Hogarty
Published Mar 28, 2008
Modified Mar 28, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A missing 7-year-old Queens boy arrived back in NYC this week after a successful enterprise that involved the NYPD, FBI, American Embassy, a charity to track kidnapped children, and a tip to his mother's MySpace account.
Kobe Lee was kidnapped by his father, Jeffrey Salko, during a joint custody-authorized visit. Salko and Tiffany Rubin separated when their child was just four months old, and Salko was facing a six-month jail sentence for failing to pay child support when he disappeared with Kobe in August.
Rubin gained access to Salko's email accounts and learned he had gone to South Korea with their son, which cops at the 113th Precinct in Queens also confirmed. After posting queries on her MySpace page, Rubin received an e-mail tip from South Korea, saying her son was attending school there. With the help of a charity that recovers kidnapped children--American Association for Lost Children Inc.--Rubin flew to South Korea this week and was reunited with Kobe at his school. Then, after disguising him with a wig, she took Kobe to the American Embassy.
Kobe Lee was reunited with his family and relatives this week and the FBI are working with South Korean officials to have Salko repatriated to face kidnapping charges.
Tagged
embassy
fbi
kidnapping
kobe lee
nypd
queens
rescue
rubin
salko
Dave Hogarty
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .